2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV: won't start

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · CO

On September 24, 2024, my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV stalled while I was driving in traffic and would not restart. I was unable to proceed normally at a green light, creating a risk of a rear-end or other collision. I have video footage of the vehicle unable to proceed. The authorized dealership documented a no-crank/no-start condition and found the engine assembly was seized. The engine assembly was replaced under warranty. Following the September 24 engine failure, the vehicle remained at the dealership through October 31, 2024 while the engine assembly was replaced under warranty. Earlier that same day, the dealership completed serial-data gateway module reprogramming and brake-system control-module programming related to brake-fluid leak detection. This is included as a factual chronology; I do not know whether that work was related to the engine seizure. Separately, on July 30, 2024, I received a “Replace Brake Pads” warning and heard grinding. The dealer found the driver-side front brake pads metal-on-metal and the wear sensor damaged. The dealer replaced the front brake pads, rotors, and wear sensor, and performed a brake-fluid exchange. These are separate, documented engine, brake, and electrical-system safety concerns. Dealer repair records and supporting video footage are available for review.

Filed Sep 19, 2026 · Fuel system, Suspension · CA

About 11pm Driving 70 on freeway started feeling pull back and then started to hear a knock noise. So turned down the music and the knock noise was getting louder as I was driving so I went to the right lane as I went to the right lane I felt like the car was pulling back and slowing down even as I accelerated… knock got even louder and I decided to exit the freeway early instead of getting to my destination. As I exited the freeway the entire car shut down lights flickered check engine went on and low oil pressure flickered once but then turned off. I couldn’t get it in park couldn’t get the car to turn over. I was able to get out of the middle of the intersection turning off the freeway and pulled gas station called AAA. I’ve had no prior problems or warning lamps before this problem happened with the vehicle. I have videos of the whole incident that will not let me download on bottom of page. “2023 Escalade ESV, VIN [XXX]. Towed to Cadillac of Laguna Niguel. Engine knocked, then complete no-crank, suspected seizure. I need a case tied to recall N252494000 / the federal safety agency 25V‑274 and special coverage N252494003. Do not authorize paid diagnosis. I need a loaner Escalade or equivalent and PQC approval for engine replacement.” “This SUV was towed to Dealership on September 18th at 1130pm. 2023 Escalade ESV, 6.2 L87. It knocked and now it will not crank at all engine is likely seized. Cadillac case number is XXX Book this under GM recall N252494000 and special coverage N252494003 — L87 connecting rod / crankshaft / loss of propulsion. To service advisor: Please do not bump-start or crank it. Do not write this as a starter, battery, or customer-pay no-start. I want the RO to say: ‘Catastrophic L87 internal failure, no crank after knock, inspect for engine replacement under N252494003.’ Open PQC today. I also need a comparable loaner. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 21, 2026 · Engine · MI

On Saturday 2/14/26 our Escalade was making a light ticking noise. We made an appointment to bring it in for service, earliest appointment was 2/17/26. On the evening of 2/14 the vehicle died on the freeway and had to be towed to the local dealer after it would not start, Crest View Cadillac in Rochester Hills, MI. Our service write Tony Griffin, confirmed verbally on 2/16 that the vehicle most likely will need an engine replacement, but had to be inspected first. I emailed him on 2/19 as I had no update and he let me know it needs more diagnostics but it will be getting an engine replacement. As of 2/21 the vehicle is still sitting in the parking lot with the battery now dead. I was given a loaner vehicle that is not at all suitable or nearly equivalent to my current vehicle. I have been given an electric Cadillac Lyriq and have no means to charge it.

Filed Feb 10, 2026 · Engine · IN

For the second time, engine stalled out and car would not start. Going 75 miles per hour on major highway on cruise control and engine just stopped in the middle of the road. Major hazard and crash risk, unable to restart car and had to be towed. Trafffic was dodging vehicle and it was a major safety hazard. Approximately 7 months ago, the car would not start and had to be towed; we reported the incident to dealership, were told there was nothing wrong and there was no diagnosis. We inquired about the engine recall at that time and were told our vehicle was no affected. Our issues are exactly the same ones being stated as part of the recall for the same make/model/year for engine failure or this vehicle. Lives were put in danger today and we are fortunate there was not crash given location and speed of vehicle when engine failed abruptly. Towed to dealership, car remains there without diagnosis and we are no longer comfortable driving vehicle.

Filed Dec 27, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · VA

On December 19, 2023, when pulling out of a parking lot onto the street, pressing the gas vehicle jerked and would not accelerate. No lights on dash. Drove less than 1 minute and turned down a side street, to get out of traffic while going slow/no power. Stopped at stop sign, went thru intersection. Went to next intersection, at stop sign, vehicle shut off, in the middle of traffic. Still no dash lights. Vehicle would not start. Turned on hazard lights. While waiting for tow truck, tried cranking several times. After about 3 hours check engine light came on, with a red light to the right of check engine light. At the same time as the check engine, I received an alert via the Cadillac App 12V error, please crank vehicle. Each crank try, dashboard would light up/cycle but vehicle never started once it shut off. Tow truck driver thought it may be battery. Tried getting vehicle to crank. No joy. Towed to dealership which replaced Transmission in August 2025, 3395 miles ago to find my engine seized up after recall N252494000 PERFORMED, Picoscope test and oil type changed. NOW THIS. Patience is really being tried. Another month without vehicle. Payments are continuing.

Filed Apr 23, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · GA

Vehicle: 2023 Cadillac Escalade Mileage at Incident: Approx. 43,000 Date of Incident: April 1, 2025 I had my 2023 Cadillac Escalade serviced at the dealership to replace two tires and perform an oil change. After waiting over four hours, I left — only to have the vehicle completely lose power while driving at 60 mph on the highway, just 18 miles later. A message instructed me to restart the vehicle, but it would not crank. I was forced to pull off and pay for a tow. After returning the vehicle to the dealership, communication was virtually nonexistent. A technician called the next morning to ask why the vehicle was there. No one followed up until I called on April 8. After holding for 30+ minutes, I was told the starter fuse blew, the engine locked up, and it would need a full replacement, taking 2–4 months. I had just purchased a full set of four new tires, which were damaged during towing because the vehicle couldn’t shift into neutral. The dealership never offered towing assistance, and I had to wait hours for a loaner. Customer service was extremely poor — they were unaware of the vehicle’s status, misplaced keys, and were unprofessional in person. As of April 23, 2025, I have received no updates, communication, or timeline regarding the repair. I am still paying my car note and insurance on a non-operational vehicle. This incident raises serious safety concerns and potential product failure on a nearly new vehicle.

Filed Feb 2, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MD

Traveling at high speed on major 5 lane highway. The engine shut off vehicle lost power went to neutral on shifter on it’s on would not shift . There was no warning no lights nothing that would have indicated a problem at all. Luckily my husband was able to get over 3 lanes and pull on shoulder which was very difficult and extremely dangerous in traffic. The vehicle would not start back up . There were 3 children and 2 adults in the vehicle at the time it was traveling 70mph and completely shut off we were almost struck by vehicles traveling at 70mph plus when trying to get vehicle to shoulder if we were unable to get this vehicle to shoulder this would have caused a multi vehicle pile up on major highway . We would have lost our lives and possibly others in other vehicles as well. Cadialic roadside assistance is picking up this vehicle and taking it to there closest dealership. This vehicle currently has 19,000 miles.